Newcastle have announced that midfielder Matty Longstaff has re-signed with the club, having originally left St James’ Park at the end of last season.
Longstaff enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign last season, making nine Premier League appearances and scoring twice, both of those coming against Manchester United.
The 20-year-old had originally departed the club at the end of last season following the expiry of his previous contract, with reports claiming he had been offered a deal by Serie A side Udinese.
However, Longstaff has now committed his future to Newcastle for the time being, after it was confirmed that the midfielder has now put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the club, securing his future at St James’ Park until the end of the 2021/22 season.
Speaking to Newcastle’s official website following the news of his new deal, Longstaff said: “I’m delighted to have signed. It took a bit longer than I’d hoped but I’m really happy it’s done now, and I can’t wait to get back to playing at a full St. James’ Park hopefully soon.”
Discussing the influence of manager Steve Bruce on his decision to stay at the club, Longstaff added: “I spoke to Steve Bruce and we talked through it and it was a no-brainer after I spoke to him. He gave me my chance and I’m really looking forward to working with him and his coaching staff, who were all great with me.”
This is surely a big relief for everyone concerned with the club.
Longstaff certainly showed a great deal of potential during his appearances last season, and the interest in him does seem to show that he is highly rated within football.
As a result, keeping him at the club does should be a boost for Newcastle on the pitch this season, and the fact they have been able to secure this deal despite competition from elsewhere, does at least offer some encouragement for Newcastle when it comes to player recruitment off the pitch this summer.